Introduction
In recent years, I’ve noticed a growing trend among students learning Spanish who also have a passion for video games. This got me thinking about how video games can be a natural and enjoyable way to develop reading and listening comprehension skills in a new language. Of course, this is hardly an original thought: there is an entire field of academic research that focuses on language learning through video games. If you don’t believe me, just think of the research there is behind Duolingo, for example. However, many millennials (including myself) and even some boomers learned languages through gaming long before game translations became widely available.
So because many gamers would like to learn Spanish, and many Spanish learners like gaming, I thought I would start exploring and reviewing some popular video games produced in Spanish-speaking countries. The idea here is to tell you about some of the most recently popular video games that have been created by companies from Spanish-speaking countries so that you can try them out yourself. Just don’t forget to go to settings and change your language to Spanish!
In the list I have compiled, I talk about each game’s unique features for learning Spanish. On a series of follow-up blogs you can expect me to go over some of these games, one by one, exploring their overall usefulness for learning Spanish and share these insights with you.
Disclaimer: I only focused on games that were are available through Steam. You might be able to get some of them for your console, but I wouldn’t know.
Discovering Spanish-Speaking Video Games
Blasphemous (The Game Kitchen, Spain)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Rich Lore and Dialogues: This game is filled with detailed descriptions, dialogues, and lore steeped in Spanish culture and language. Playing the game in Spanish allows learners to practice reading and listening skills.
- Low Language Dependency for Mechanics: The game mechanics are intuitive and do not rely heavily on language comprehension, allowing players to enjoy the game while passively absorbing Spanish vocabulary.
- Available on: Windows, macOS, and SteamOS (+ Linux)
GRIS (Nomada Studio, Spain)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Minimal Text, Maximum Emotion: GRIS uses minimal text but powerful visual storytelling. The sparse text is in Spanish, making it easy for learners to understand.
- Visual Context Clues: Beautiful artwork and visual cues help players grasp the story without needing extensive language skills, perfect for beginners.
- Available on: Windows, and macOS
Moonlighter (Digital Sun, Spain)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Merchant and Adventure Dialogues: The game combines shop management with dungeon crawling. Interacting with customers and villagers provides a practical context for learning everyday vocabulary.
- Inventory and Management Terms: Managing the shop inventory introduces players to specific terms related to commerce and trade in Spanish.
- Available on: Windows, macOS, and SteamOS (+ Linux)
Rime (Tequila Works, Spain)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Environmental Storytelling: Rime tells its story through the environment, puzzles, and minimal dialogue. The few texts and spoken lines in Spanish help players pick up new vocabulary without overwhelming them.
- Subtitles and Audio Options: Players can choose to have Spanish subtitles and audio, aiding in listening and reading comprehension.
- Available on: Windows only
Endless Space 2 (Amplitude Studios, Spain)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Complex Strategy and Vocabulary: This strategy game involves managing a space empire, which requires understanding complex terms related to science, technology, and governance in Spanish.
- In-Depth Lore: The game’s extensive lore and narrative elements are perfect for advanced learners looking to expand their vocabulary in specialized topics.
- Available on: Windows and macOS
The Red Strings Club (Deconstructeam, Spain)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Dialogues and Ethical Choices: This narrative-driven game revolves around conversations and ethical dilemmas. Playing in Spanish offers immersive practice in conversational language and moral vocabulary. Perhaps for more advances Spanish learners.
- Cyberpunk Setting: The futuristic setting introduces unique vocabulary related to technology and cybernetics.
- Available on: Windows, macOS, and SteamOS (+ Linux)
They Are Billions (Numantian Games, Spain)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Real-Time Strategy and Survival: Managing resources and defending colonies introduces players to practical vocabulary related to strategy and survival.
- Minimal Dependency on Language for Gameplay: The core mechanics are intuitive, allowing players to focus on learning Spanish through the game’s narrative and interface.
- Available on: Windows only
Exploring More Games Beyond Europe
Because there is more to the Spanish-speaking world than just Spain, I looked for games from Spanish-speaking countries outside of Europe as well. Here are some gems I found:
Mulaka (Lienzo, Mexico)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Indigenous Culture and Mythology: Mulaka is based on the rich mythology of the Tarahumara people of northern Mexico. Playing in Spanish exposes learners to unique cultural vocabulary and traditional stories.
- Environmental Exploration: The game involves exploring various landscapes and solving puzzles, providing context for learning descriptive language.
- Available on: Windows and macOS
Guacamelee! Series (DrinkBox Studios, Canada, with Mexican cultural themes)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Mexican Folklore and Humor: Okay, this isn’t really a game from a Spanish-speaking country, but I love it! The game is filled with references to Mexican culture, folklore, and humor. Spanish is used throughout the game, enhancing cultural immersion.
- Action and Platforming: The action-oriented gameplay and clear objectives allow players to enjoy the game while picking up Spanish phrases and vocabulary.
- Available on: Windows only
Okhlos (Coffee Powered Machine, Argentina)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Mythological References: Okhlos is based on Greek mythology but developed by an Argentinian studio, offering a mix of Spanish language and mythological terms.
- Humorous and Satirical Tone: The game’s humorous and satirical approach makes learning Spanish enjoyable and engaging.
- Available on: Windows, macOS, and SteamOS (+ Linux)
Quantum League (Nimble Giant Entertainment, Argentina)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: Quantum League features unique time-loop mechanics. The game’s interface and tutorials in Spanish help players learn specific gaming and technological vocabulary.
- Multiplayer Communication: Playing in multiplayer mode with Spanish-speaking players encourages practical language use in real-time scenarios.
- Available on: Windows, macOS, and SteamOS (+ Linux)
Shadow Brawlers (Team Guazú, Argentina)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Fast-Paced Brawling: The game’s quick and intense brawling mechanics are easy to follow, allowing players to focus on the Spanish text and instructions.
- Minimalistic Art Style: The clear and simple art style helps players concentrate on the language elements without visual overload.
- Available on: Windows only
Nubarron: The Adventure of an Unlucky Gnome (Nastycloud, Argentina)
Cool Features for Learning Spanish:
- Narrative-Driven Gameplay: The game’s storyline and character interactions are rich in dialogue, offering ample opportunity to practice reading and listening skills.
- Fantasy Setting: The whimsical fantasy setting introduces unique vocabulary related to magic and adventure.
- Available on: Windows, macOS, and SteamOS (+ Linux)
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to dive deeper into these games and write more in-depth reviews on how each can be used for learning Spanish. Each game offers unique opportunities for language practice through its dialogue, narrative, or gameplay mechanics. If you’re learning Spanish, or if you’d like to get started, you can immerse yourself in diverse genres and settings and start a a natural and enjoyable learning experience while playing.
Stay tuned for detailed reviews on some of these titles and discover how you can enhance your Spanish learning journey through the power of video games. Happy gaming!
